One sock...two sock!

After the tumultuous efforts of getting ready for the family picture, it's done! We dressed, we smiled, we posed, camera flashed...done! If it were really all that easy, it wouldn't be so exhausting. The family photo was first. It all it's glory, it was here. The moment, the Mother of this family has been waiting for. She's envisioned this day for the last five years. Yes, five! That was approximatley the last time a family photo was attempted with her fabulous little bunch.

The colors were coordinated, (taking roughly 4 hours...of shopping). She dutifully made sure each member of her family had washed their clothing (washing machine going for 3 hours prior to the wonderful event). She was careful (or tried to be) to make sure there were no unecessary arguments or contention (curtailed 2 arguments with husband, 2 with sons) so as not to carry those expressions or feelings into the studio. Keeping her composure all the while.
As she exited her sweet little home with her family, her kind son Zachary generously handed out pieces of chewing gum to his brothers. How sweet was that!
Now keep in mind, as all good mothers, this Mom went through her traditional mental list, used any time there is to be a public appearance. Hair combed. Check! Teeth brushed. Check! Clean faces. Check! Clothes ironed. Check! Coordinating outfits. Double check! Husband, sons, daughters, in the van. Check! There was one minor little detail, (which she thought of, but figured there was no need to worry). In her busy preparation of getting her family ready for the photo, she had no time left to find matching socks of her own. This being left out of the conversation with the photographer, she proceeded to put on mismatched socks. No biggy. It's not like I'm taking off my shoes or anything (since the photographer, her lovely friend Carrie didn't mention it). After all, she was wearing her cowgirl boots, which would look great on camera.
Upon their arrival, they were welcomed with warmth and anticipation of their first modeling debut. Everyone was excited, Mom particularly so. As they awaited the instruction of the crew, the photographer finally mentions one last little detail. "I forgot to mention, everyone needs to remove their shoes." The Mother thinking...are you serious? This Mommy watches and hopes each of her kids have at least put on clean socks, forget matching!
Wow! What a surprise as she sees, everyone has on clean socks. The girls had painted toenails so, no worries there. Last but not least she takes off her boots to reveal her mismatched socks. With a chuckle, her friend offers a clean pair of white booties, which she gratefully accepts.
Okay, so if were done with some slightly embarrsing moments, let's move on.

Family first! Yes, an expression appropriately termed for this event. Carrie the photographer (beautiful as she is creative), positioned our lovely brood on the background platform. As a few practice shots were snapped, the generosity of Zachary began to show it's true form. "Are you chewing gum?" asks Carrie. She proceeded to snap, then remind them to stop chewing. Snap, then remind again. Snap...then reprimand. For a minute, I was ready to SNAP!
The boys finally stopped chomping.

Well, if it wasn't one of the boys chomping on gum, it was one of the girls not looking at the camera... or my hair constantly in my face which was dubbed as the "nemisis," of this perfectionist of a photographer. They even went so far as to lift our spirits by saying we were one of the, and I quote, "Best looking families that they had photographed." With a comment like that, we couldn't help but laugh hysterically. We also began to question the mental capacity of Jim (the husband of Carrie and the other photographer, who's blood sugar had obviously dropped due to hunger) who had made the comment. Funny guy, hugh!
Well, all the joking aside. We finished the family photograph and I'm sure they know how to superimpose the good parts of one photo to another.
Next was the couple photo. Ah, yes. Well, when we were asked to look at eachother. We both asked, (which I'm sure they didn't hear) "Without laughing?" We sat and we sat. I noticed that Wayne was getting a bit uncomfortable, a question that Carrie took no time to ask. I don't know why, he was only wearing my beaver skinned, black cowboy hat. Only one whole 1/2" smaller than his own. This wouldn't make too much of a difference if it were clothing, but a beaver skinned hat is quite uncomfortable if you have to force it on, and not to mention, it's hot! It doesn't breath. Neither did the shirt he was wearing. By the time they asked us to dance, he was hot, uncomfortable and a bit timid.
Finally the kids. The girls had fun. Sweden was calling the shots and Carrie was taking them. Sierra doesn't believe she has a fabulous smile...with teeth. But, she's clearly a beauty. Brandon, well, Brandon, sometimes looks like he wants to hurt someone. Did I mention that the glare from the lights make him scowl and oh yes, he wasn't wearing his glasses. He's really a sweetheart. (I thought that all that practice in front of the mirror would of paid off tonight, go figure!) Zach and Sage just followed her lead. I tried to give them a focus by asking Ashlynn to stand behind the camera as a focal point. Thinking this would make them blush or smile.
Now that it's over, I've learned a few pointers.
No gum! Be happy! Let kids be kids! Listen to music that helps you get your groove on! Oh yes, wear matching socks!
Love ya, JustMemorable